Tuipulotu happy at Glasgow 'for now'

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has backed Sione Tuipulotu to make an impact this autumn - but insists the Glasgow sensation won't be rushed into a Test debut.

The powerful centre has been one of the standout performers in the United Rugby Championship so far this season, scoring a hat-trick in the Warriors' demolition of Cardiff and showing the kind of form that could earn him a first cap.

The 23-year-old is yet to play for Scotland but qualifies through residency after four years in the country and has impressed Townsend with his performances for Danny Wilson's side.

The national coach is keen to see Tuipulotu continue developing at Glasgow before making the step up to international rugby, but believes he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the squad in the future.

"Sione is a very good young player," Townsend said. "He's still only 23 and he's got a lot of potential. He's a big, physical guy with good skills and he's been playing very well for Glasgow this season.

"He's someone we're monitoring closely and we're excited about what he can achieve in the future. But we're not going to rush him into the Scotland team. We want him to continue developing at Glasgow and playing regularly.

"If he keeps playing the way he is, then he'll put himself in contention for a Test debut in the future. But for now, we're happy for him to stay at Glasgow and continue his development."